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Rating: Null/10 (11 August 2005)

The summary line is not particularly complimentary of the move, but merely says that it's the best popcorn summer action flick that we have had this year, doing a little better than the competitors in just above every department.
Let's start with the cast. Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson, who should require no introduction, play two clones "Lincoln" and "Jordon" respectively. Sean Bean (who will always be Boromir to me), one of the best character actors around, plays a clichÃ© "evil doctor" role, bringing to it an attention-compelling presence that few can. From the Tarantino gang is prolific Steve Buscemi, who is sure to be remembered for every movie he appears in, playing a scientist with a good heart employed in an evil organization. And then there are two power house black actors. Michael Clarke Duncan from "The Green Mile" unfortunately appears in not much more than a cameo role. However, Djimon Hounsou, who was so impressive in "The four feathers", has a reasonably good role as a top bounty hunter whose character is more complex than what it initially appears to be.
The movie can conveniently be divided into two parts. The first is somewhat formulaic, telling an often-seen story of how the two main characters gradually discover that things are not what they appear to be. These are actually two among hundreds of clones, created in a secretive plant for the purpose of providing replacement organs to their owners. Led to believe that they are survivors from a contaminated outside world, they are referred to as "products" behind their back and monitored closely to, among other things, prevent them from developing too much "proximity" with one another. They are not cheap but, as one owner says, "At 5 million dollars, they are well worth the price, for cheating death".
The second part starts when the protagonists, i.e. the aforesaid two clones, develop something the scientists that created them failed to anticipate, minds that are more similar to human mind than is comfortable for the enterprise. Lincoln and Jordan escape from the plant, starting scene after scene of exciting chases, explosion and all the neat things you expect to find in this genre. Photography and technical effects are absolutely first class. Particularly praiseworthy is the metropolis created for L.A. in the near future, that is neither too futuristic nor too present-day. The balance is just perfect in this movie.
There are also thoughts to dwell on and they are well handled, suggestive without being too heavy-handed. Whether clones are actually human and have the right to live would be an expected question, but another dimension is added when Djimon Hounsou questions whether some humans are considered less than human as he shows how his hand had been branded after the failure of an uprising he took part in. The familiar man-playing-God theme is also touched on, with some pretty good dialogue.
There is also humour, again well balanced and well placed. Acting in this movie is obviously no challenge to the two principals. McGregor has a little bit more, playing in some scenes both the clone and the original. The ending must bring back "Logan's run" for those who have seen it. It is also an aesthetic wonder and a visual allegory.
Just to reiterate, all the unreserved praises about should be viewed in the context of a popcorn summer action flick.